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 I was born August 2, 1960 to Mary Jo and Fred Patrick who are still members of the Monrovia United Methodist Church. I was baptized as an infant and at the age of 14 I was confirmed and made a member of this church. I participated in Sunday school, Vacation Bible School and Youth Group.
I graduated high school at Monrovia as the Salutatorian of the Class of 1978. I was accepted to Indiana Central University where I earned my Associate Degree in Business in 1980 and my Bachelor’s Degree in 1982 also in Business Administration graduating with a B average.
After graduating and entering the business world I held many positions including banking, investments, brokerage of stocks and commodities, marketing, customer service and real estate. Part of this time I was located in the Indianapolis area and not able to attend my home church, but I did visit other United Methodist churches. In the mid 80’s I moved back into the area and became very active in my home church.
I held many positions including co-chair of the Trustees, pastor parish relations, Secretary of the Administrative Council, Director of Bible School for five years, but my most fulfilling task was that of Lay Speaker. I thoroughly enjoyed the classes as well as each opportunity I had to fill the pulpit. My pastor at that time asked me if I had ever considered the ministry. I truly had not considered it, but the question weighed heavy on my mind.
In August of 1997, my then District Superintendent Ann Glass asked me if I would consider taking a church as pulpit supply. I had gone to her to inquire of any position she knew of at the district or conference level where I could help out and earn a little additional income to supplement my real estate sales. I was shocked at first, but after taking the time to pray about it, the answer could be none other than yes.
The first appointment she had in mind did not work out, so this gave me ample time to continue to pray and to contemplate. On October 21st she called me and said Gosport United Methodist Church needs you by November 1. I stayed with that church for 2 and one half years. I really felt at home not only with this congregation but with this vocation. While there I completed license to preach school May 11, 1999.
I have since served a two-point charge at Mt. Olive/Poplar Grove in Morgan County. I was there only six months before leaving to marry Rev. David Patrick who at that time was serving St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Rushville. After being there seven months the Pastor Staff committee asked me to join the staff as a part time Associate Pastor as of June 15, 2001. I served with David until he was re-appointed to Mt. Comfort United Methodist Church. During our time at Rushville, I had begun to feel called to education. We started exploring and praying. I then decided that I wanted to attend Christian Theological Seminary and study Christian Education.
I have currently completed 36 of the required 90 credit hours and hope to graduate as early as the Spring of ’07 with a Master of Divinity degree from CTS. I am a certified candidate for ordination as a Deacon in the United Methodist Church. I look forward to what ever God has in store for me preaching and teaching the Word.
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